The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

From debut
author Johnson comes a fantasy novel about a city and those who must protect
it.

With “nearly a
million residents,” No-Gu is a place with its share of problems and peculiarities.
From addicts hooked on the dangerous Agess seed to buildings constructed of
ebon stone, which is so hard it cannot be altered, the city lacks much in the
way of contemporary comparison. Like all cities though, there is a great need
for security. As an Alley Rat, Mor ARU Mathiis is a man responsible for such
security. Charged with patrolling “the streets of No-Gu quelling disputes and
doling out punishment when necessary,” men like Mor, aka Teacher, are soldiers
who don’t associate much with army regulars. In constant danger, Alley Rats
need to be tough, quick, and unrelenting. After terrifying beasts attack the
city, Teacher must find and destroy the “one that controls them.” The task may
be perilous and involves delving into Chatlahe, an ancient culture. The reward
is advancement for all Alley Rats. Teaming up with fellow men at arms Ten Crow
and Notch, the stage is set for an exploration of No-Gu’s murkier regions.
Scenes can be violent, with characters “rummaging through the blood soaked
clothing,” and graphic: “The twisting veins of his biceps bulged as he…ravaged
her anus with violent, upward thrusts.” The novel also offers anthropological
details, like the description of the Oskell, who “believed themselves superior
to all other races because of their ability to heal.” Occasional statements can
prove less than profound, such as when a character is said to have “closed his
eyes to stop the hint of a tear that threatened to escape”; however, readers
taken with Teacher and his struggles will enjoy following his meandering path.

Part thriller,
part invented cultural study, the book provides an unusual setting and a
rough-and-tumble lead.

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